British Downhill Championships Preview

This weekend will see the UK's Downhill riders heading to Moelfre in the welsh Borders, to contest the British Cycling National Championships.

The Course

There’s no other course in the UK quite like Moelfre. Open, blisteringly fast, treeless and bare, facing boldly South, it is a spectator’s dream, offering long uninterrupted views of the riders, with superb watching opportunities right from bottom to top.

With 318m of vertical drop in its 2320m length, it’s therefore on average steeper than one in eight. Flat out open sections up at the top drop riders into a switchback section. There’s then the road crossing and a long rocky straight which takes you across the face of the hillside.

Weather permitting the organizers plan to include a lower section on the 4x track, which will throw a series of jumps at the riders, before the final descent into the big finish area.

Riders to Watch

We have a great reputation for producing top Downhill riders and in Rachel Atherton and Manon Carpenter we have two of the brightest young female stars on the scene. Both will be gunning for gold, though Atherton, who has been back to her very best this year after a couple of injury-ravaged years, is a strong favourite. Carpenter won’t let that bother her, though, and on a short and very quick course, it will all come down to very small margins.

With Danny Hart and Gee Atherton both sidelined with injury, the Senior Men’s race is perhaps a little more open than usual. Going on both World Cup and Halo Series results this year, the leading contenders are likely to be Marc Beaumont, Josh Bryceland, Matt Simmonds and Joe Smith. All three have been consistent throughout and it should be a very tight race. Also worth a punt are Steve Peat, who still has the capacity to produce a very fast run and Adam Brayton, who took the win in the most recent Halo series round at Glencoe.

Organiser’s information for riders & spectators

British Cycling National Championships presented by Halo.Saturday and Sunday the 21st and 22nd of July 2012.

The organisers recommend you put “Llansilin” into your SatNav rather than the postcode. And please note that there are several places called Moelfre in Wales and you will need the one close to Oswestry. If the Moelfre you have found is more than 15 minutes from Oswestry then you have found the wrong one.

Head along the B4580 by the Old Race Course, through Llawnt, through Rhydycroesau and then into Llansilin. The road curves left (there's a phone box on the right hand side). After 50 yards turn the first right by the 4x4 garage and then first right again, signposted Moelfre. Head up and follow the road to the left, after a mile and almost at the bottom of the dip turn right. Follow the road up for one mile, taking caution through the narrow lanes and twisty corners and the race venue will greet you on the right hand side.

Admission/Camping/Parking: Free to everyone!

Parking and Camping is free of charge for everyone including spectators. Please note that there will be specific camping and parking areas away from the pit and finish area, so if you arrive in the early hours of Saturday morning and park in the taped off area then you will have to move.

There will be drinking water available on site and this will be the same source for bike washing – there is a hose pipe attached and please bring your brushes and cleaner to keep your bikes running sweet for the weekend.

Award Ceremonies: Will take place 15 minutes after the last rider has crossed the line.

Other services & info

PA System: A full Public Announcement Facility will be on sitecourtesy of Monster Energy with announcements throughout the day. A Notice Board will be also on display in the Race Office/Rider Registration area for displaying information regarding the event.

Toilets: This will also include disabled and urinal facilities. All will be serviced on Saturday evening and restocked throughout the weekend.

Retailers: Descent-Gear.com will be trackside with spares and repairs.

Catering: Food and refreshments will be provided by XO Catering.The onsite caterers will be open as follows:Friday 15:00 until 23:00Saturday 07:30 until 23:00Sunday 07:30 to 18:00